Tigers’ Scherzer Pulled With Shoulder Fatigue

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 18: at Comerica Park on September 18, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 18: Max Scherzer #37 of the Detroit Tigers throws a second inning pitch while playing the Oakland Athletics at Comerica Park on September 18, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

DETROIT (AP) — Max Scherzer left his start Tuesday night after only two innings because of a fatigued right shoulder, a potentially damaging blow to the Detroit Tigers as they try to catch the Chicago White Sox for the AL Central title.

Scherzer has been terrific for the Tigers down the stretch, legitimately challenging Justin Verlander’s status as the team’s most effective pitcher. Scherzer entered the game with a 16-6 record and a 3.77 ERA, as well as a major league-leading 220 strikeouts.

That was after the right-hander’s ERA was an unsightly 5.88 in early June.

Scherzer was scheduled to have an MRI after allowing a run and two hits Tuesday against the Oakland Athletics. He struck out four and threw only 44 pitches before left-hander Darin Downs came on from the bullpen to start the third inning.

Detroit led 2-1 when Scherzer left.

Detroit trails the White Sox by three games in the division.

If Scherzer is seriously hurt, it could mean a return to the rotation for rookie Drew Smyly. The left-hander is 4-3 with a 4.25 ERA but hasn’t been needed to make a start because the Tigers traded for Anibal Sanchez at the deadline.